In 2024, the Coast Guard saw a wave of promotions, with one hundred and thirty-five seamen moving up the ranks. Among them, fifty-five apprentice seamen advanced to full seamen, twenty-four seamen climbed to petty officer third class, ten made it to second class, and thirteen reached first class. Officers also received promotions, bringing a boost in their salaries. Rear Admiral Elton Bennett, the Coast Guard Commandant, proudly stated that these advancements are being handled just right.
“When we recognized that we have shortcomings in salaries for our personnel. We went to the drawing table, and we came up with a people operation, a long-term and a short-term plan that will address the immediate shortcomings and then to put in place some long-term initiatives to ensure that this doesn’t recur. So we selected a small team. of clerks. Here at the Post Guard Headquarters, we also assigned personnel at the Ministry of National Defense. And then we did everything that we could have done in terms of providing resources and manpower to address this issue, and we’ve done quite a lot. We, we, since the start of this operation in September, we adjusted, thirty-five personnel in September. In October, it was 87, and in November, 96. So that requires a very large effort from a small team of individuals to ensure that their Coast Guard personnel receive the salary that they deserve.”
Earlier this week, Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett mentioned that two patrol boats slated for purchase in 2024 hadn’t been acquired yet. Today, Minister of Defense and Border Security Florencio Marin, Junior explained to reporters that there was a funding glitch but assured that the boats will still be bought.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Defense & Border Security
“There was some complication with the CABEI cabay loans, and there was a deadline that we had to meet. And then, with the vessel of this magnitude, we had to take it through an international tendering process that we were not going to be able to meet the deadline. Now, that doesn’t mean necessarily that we have cancelled our plans on that, alright, but I’m just telling you there have been some delays in the procurement process.”
Known for their hard work and dedication to protecting the nation and deterring illicit activities on the high seas, roughly four hundred coastguardsmen enjoyed a special Christmas lunch today. They were joined by the Minister of Defense, Florencio Marin Junior, and Commandant Rear Admiral Elton Bennett. This event was a rare chance for the seamen to catch up with each other, given the nature of their job and their individual postings throughout the year. During the ceremony at their headquarters parade square off the George Price Highway in Belize City, awards were also handed out to outstanding seamen for 2024. News Five’s Marion Ali reports.
Marion Ali, Reporting
Every year, around four hundred coastguardsmen and women are treated to an end-of-year lunch to recognize their hard work and dedication in protecting Belize’s territorial waters. Minister of Defense and Border Security, Florencio Marin Junior, emphasized that this luncheon is a vital event, showing gratitude to those who keep us safe all year round.
Florencio Marin Jr.
Florencio Marin Jr., Minister of Defense & Border Security
“They work 24-7 throughout the year, serving our country, protecting our maritime borders, you know, it’s the very least we can do to show them that we appreciate the sacrifices they do year-round. As you know, the work of the Coast Guard is not Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, it is 24-7. So, when they’re out on patrol, they don’t have the luxury of having to clock off compound. And right there 24-7, they’re out there protecting our borders, and they also help our civilians in times of need.”
Rear Admiral Elton Bennett agreed that recognition is well-deserved, especially since 2024 was a year filled with challenging operations for the seamen.
“We had some very difficult operations. We’ve, we’ve, we’ve always challenged in terms of, um, providing maritime safety and environmental protection for the country. Um, but the men and women of the British Coast Guard saw that through. And they performed very well. Um, so, this end of the year is when we set aside and recognize some individuals and units as well who were exemplary throughout the year.”
During the ceremony, several Coast Guard members were honored with year-end awards. Earl Bodden was named Seaman of the Year, while Dennis Hernandez took home Engineer of the Year. Daniel Gregorio was awarded Coxswain of the Year, and Windell Ogaldez was recognized as Patrol Commander of the Year. Adir Duran received the Serviceman of the Year award, and Jenaro Chan was honored with the Commandant’s Award. The Belize Coast Guard Medical Unit was named Unit of the Year, and civilian driver Abdul Zelaya received the Hermelinda Emmanuel Award. A special highlight was Guillermina Pinnock being named Sailor of the Year, marking the first time a female has won this award. Pinnock shared with the media that it was her late brother’s dream for her to achieve this honor.
Guillermina Pinnock
Guillermina Pinnock, Coast Guard Member
“I’m just so proud of myself because this was actually my brother’s dream to join Coast Guard. He, he, he got killed at an early age, at the age of twenty-three. And then I just, um, took up, took up the spot, took up and joined Coast Guard. It was never something that I dreamt about, but, okay, I just decided that I had to define my brother’s career, what he wanted to do. I’m just glad that I’m making him proud and I’m making my family proud also.”
Reporter
“So this one’s for him?”
Guillermina Pinnock
“This is definitely for him.”
Gianna Vanegas
Coast Guard seamen and women also won prizes for triathlon and other fitness competitions held throughout the year. In a touching gesture, the team that placed first donated their cash award to the family of Gianna Vanegas, a teammate and Coast Guard member who tragically passed away earlier this month in a road accident. Marion Ali for News Five.
While most people will be celebrating Christmas with family and friends, the dedicated members of the Belize Coast Guard will be on patrol, ensuring the safety of Belize’s waters. Today, Rear Admiral Elton Bennett assured that coastguardsmen will be on duty across the country throughout the weekend and the Christmas holidays.
“ There are members of the Belize Coast Guard forward deployed, forward deployed as far north as Concejo. Ensuring that our economy is protected through counter contraband efforts as far south as Haunted Key. Ensuring territorial integrity and ensuring sovereignty of rescue spaces. Somewhere along the atolls where the Belize Coast Guard forward operating base would be providing a search and rescue unit to ensure that. Mariners are safe throughout this Christmas season. Uh, we continue operations in Crooked tree, providing that transportation for those involved up there. So, throughout the Christmas season, members of the British Coast Guard are forward deployed, um, and performing the best that they can in support of their national mission.”
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has dragged on for over a decade, and now, foreign allies are taking a stand. To curb Russia’s relentless invasion, the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on trade linked to Russia’s supply chain. These sanctions, which started in October, have been expanded as recently as this month. Among those affected is Berezia Management, a Belizean-based company reportedly tied to Perspective Technologies Agency (UPT), a Russian firm specializing in communication networks and submarine cables. We spoke with Doctor Osmond Martinez, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, to see if he expects these sanctions to impact Belize’s foreign trade. Here’s what he had to say.
Britney Gordon
“Amid escalating international pressure on Russia over the, it’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States and the United Kingdom have announced new sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s military supply chain among these sanctioned entities. Bereza management, a Belize based company is accused of facilitating operations linked to Russia’s defense industry. Do we anticipate that these sanctions will affect Belize’s trading ability?”
Dr. Osmond Martinez, Minster of State, Ministry of Foreign Trade
“I’m not familiar with that information. I don’t have the details, but I think this is a question that can be asked to, um, to be placed to the minister responsible for foreign [affairs]. But based on your question, I don’t think it will affect Belize.”
Accident victim Gilbert Teck remains hospitalized. A few moments ago, his sister shared an update on his health. She said, “Gilly hasn’t gained full consciousness as yet, but he’s been opening his eyes and moving his head a lot, hands and upper body.”
In a recent interaction, when his mother spoke to him and asked him to turn his head toward her if he could see her, he was able to respond by turning his head. “He’s been responding to our presence a lot more, and when we spoke to him yesterday, my mom told him to turn his head towards her if he could see her, and he did. Also, today his coworkers and I video chatted him, and he was able to communicate with them by shaking his head since he cannot speak as yet, and he also used his hands.”
He has not regained full consciousness.
“Once again he’s not awake as yet, and I know we all wish the rumours were true, but regardless, he’s making amazing progress, and I know he’ll come home to us all soon.”
On November 29, the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School boys’ basketball team was involved in a tragic traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway. They were en route to a regional tournament in Orange Walk when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were 12 passengers.
One of the students, Alex Baiton, died while in the hospital.
Prime Minister John Briceño shared his Christmas message for 2024. In his video message, the Prime Minister expressed that there is nothing quite like the joy that Christmas brings to his heart. He said it is a time of love, sharing, and holding family and loved ones close. He reflected on the joy of watching children and family members eagerly rush to discover which gifts under the Christmas tree are theirs and the excitement that comes with unwrapping each present.
However, he reminded everyone of the true meaning of Christmas: “This time of year is filled with celebration, laughter, and merrymaking. It is about holiday luncheons, parties, and social events that bring together people who may have grown distant due to life’s challenges or competing priorities. But always remember the real reason for Christmas. When, as a world, we receive the most splendid blessings for the birth of the Christ child.”
In the spirit of blessings, Prime Minister Briceño encouraged everyone to hold their loved ones close, be kind to one another, and offer a helping hand to those less fortunate. “Put small and even large differences aside, because time is promised to no one, and always to God. I always know that we are truly blessed as a nation and as a people. We are alive, united, and spending another Christmas together in this nation we all love.”
He concluded by extending his Christmas wishes: “From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!”
The holiday season is upon Belizeans, and if there’s one thing that the highways will have in the coming days, it’s many Belizeans hitting the roads to visit family and friends. As traffic increases, several public officials are working to promote road safety.
These incidents highlight the growing concern over road safety. So, if you’re planning to travel in the coming days, here are 10 important tips for staying safe on the road:
Don’t drink and drive: If there’s drinking at your holiday gathering, make sure to pick a designated driver who will stay sober.
Prepare your car: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, properly maintained, and ready for travel, especially if you’re facing winter weather.
Plan your route: It’s always best to map out your journey ahead of time and check for any weather conditions that might affect your trip.
Buckle up! Always make sure you and your passengers are wearing seat belts or in car safety seats.
Avoid driving while tired: Get plenty of rest before your trip, take breaks during your drive, and if possible, share the driving. If you’re feeling sleepy, pull over to a safe spot to rest.
Have an emergency plan: Keep a cell phone and charger with you, and know the contact details for roadside assistance, just in case.
Don’t text while driving: Avoid using your phone while driving. If you need to make a call, use a hands-free device.
Keep a safe distance: Always maintain enough space between you and the car ahead so you can react if needed. If someone is tailgating, let them pass.
Watch your speed: Follow the speed limits and drive according to road conditions. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so you don’t feel rushed.
Stay calm: If you feel stressed or upset, take deep breaths and stay calm. Avoid letting road rage get in the way of your safety and the safety of others on the road.
Police have formally arrested and charged 42-year-old Kenyon Jovani Lewis, also known as “Gas,” a self-employed Belizean from the Cayo District, with the crime of “Being a Member of a Gang.” The charges were brought against him on Friday, December 20.
What would you do if you had a chance to win 5 million USD? That’s the grand prize for the winner of Beast Games, a show by MrBeast on Prime Video.
Belizean/American Wilbert Jimenez got that opportunity as player 519.
Jimenez said that he discovered the opportunity through an Instagram post and deciding to give it a shot. “I applied at 10 a.m. on a regular Wednesday, and within 10 minutes, they responded saying they liked what they saw and wanted to talk more,” Jimenez explained. From there, his participation in the show began.
The competition kicked off during the summer, with filming divided into two parts. The first segment was a YouTube video shot in Las Vegas over four days, and the second took place in Canada over three to four weeks. Episodes one and two of the show have already been released.
Jimenez said, “The entire experience was literally crazy. The amount of mental exhaustion you go through, it was all difficult, but I think I managed to continue past episode one. That may be a spoiler for you, but yeah, past episode one, but the entire experience was hard, but it was worthwhile.”
Jimenez described the moment MrBeast unveiled $1 million in cash, with $5 million in the background, as surreal. “When I saw the 1 million, I was like, I’m not pressing the button. I’m like, I want to go for the big price. So I was like, not fazed at all for that.”
One of the challenges required someone to sacrifice themselves for the group’s benefit. He said it was a tense moment involving another contestant, Courtney, who ultimately saved his row from elimination. “She was the one who actually saved my row. That was the last row to turn green. And because of her, I ended up making it past that challenge.”
When asked what viewers can expect from the show, Jimenez promised plenty of drama, betrayal, and emotional moments that would keep audiences engaged. He confirmed that filming wrapped in September, though the winner remains a closely guarded secret due to NDAs.
